Take a Chance on Me Read Online Free PDF

once more.
    â€˜You’re right. I’m letting it get to me again. But, Charlie, you understand. You of all people know how hard it is for me some days. I hate being in this wheelchair. I hate what happened to me. And worst of all, I hate myself.’
    â€˜Hey, come on. You’ve proven lots of people wrong in the past. I know if anyone is going to succeed and have a baby by hook or by crook, it’ll be you. Medical science is wonderful these days and you haven’t even heard what the consultant has to say. So, put your happy face back on and let’s go and find out. Shall I come in with you?’
    â€˜I’d rather I saw the consultant alone, if you don’t mind. Ryan wanted to come with me too but I want to deal with this myself. I can’t explain why. I suppose if it’s bad news I need the time and space to digest it and deal with it before I tell anyone.’
    â€˜No, I can understand. But if you change your mind, I’ll come with you.’
    Mercedes wiped off the black mascara stains from under her eyes. ‘Better get going. I don’t want to be late,’ she said without enthusiasm.
    â€˜You’ll be fine. It won’t be bad news. I’m sure.’
    â€˜I wish I had your optimism.’
    â€˜I’ll lend it to you for today.’
    â€˜Deal!’
    They set off and joined the motorway again. The subject was dropped and conversation became lighter. Charlie concentrated on telling stories about Art, who having been put on a strict diet by his wife, Pat, had taken to hiding food in all sorts of interesting places and scoffing slices of cake at every opportunity in the café when Pat was out of range. The tales of all his antics soon had Mercedes smiling.
    At Oxford Street, Mercedes swung the van into a space reserved for unloading lorries.
    â€˜You can’t stop here,’ said Charlie.
    Mercedes grinned. ‘Bonus of a disabled badge and a wheelchair. Anyway, it’s only for a minute, out you get. I’ll meet you at Archipelago restaurant on Cleveland Street at twelve-thirty. Have fun.’
    â€˜Good luck, Mercedes. You’ll be fine. Stay positive.’
    â€˜Will do. See you later.’
    Charlie meandered off to the shops where she found little she wanted to purchase. She seemed to have lost enthusiasm for shopping. She was comfortable in her baggy jumpers and jeans. And it wasn’t as if she had many occasions to dress up. Today, she had made an effort and was wearing one of three smart outfits she owned. Even that was a little tight on her. After Gavin and she split up, she had found solace in baking and eating. She had put on quite a few pounds and although she was not too large, she certainly was not the same shapely Charlie she used to be. Many of her clothes from that era no longer fitted. She found it easier to hide her shape under T-shirts and jumpers.
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    E ventually , worn out by the marauding crowds of shoppers trying to bag bargains in the sales, Charlie flagged down a taxi and requested Archipelago restaurant. She would be early but the thought of spending any more time avoiding people was too much to contemplate.
    After a short journey, the taxi pulled into a quiet side street. Charlie paid the driver and went into Archipelago. It was mesmerising. It was without doubt one of the most astonishing restaurants she had ever visited. The décor was decadent, a little kitsch and romantic. She had seen nothing like it before. The dining room was stuffed full of eclectic travel paraphernalia from all over the world, including golden Buddhas, palm trees and peacock feathers.
    A waiter took her name and confirmed she and Mercedes were booked in for lunch. He offered to let her go downstairs to the drinks lounge by the kitchen whilst she waited for her friend. She agreed, asking if she could be called back up when Mercedes arrived, then descended into a tiny basement room, with a couple of tables and bench-style seating